キレット

Meanings

gap in a mountain ridge; col; notch

usually written using kana alone

A geographical term for a sharp dip or pass in a mountain ridge, often used in hiking and mountaineering contexts. The word is a loan from German 'Gratlücke' or similar, and is typically written in katakana.

この尾お根ねにはいくつかのキレットがあるので、注ちゅう意いして進すすもう。
There are several gaps on this ridge, so let's proceed carefully.
キレットを越こえると、視し界かいが急きゅうに開ひらけた。
After crossing the col, the view suddenly opened up.

See all 4 example sentences ›

Kanji

切cut, cutoff, be sharp
処dispose, manage, deal with
戸door, counter for houses, door radical (no. 63)

Related words

峠とうげ
峠 is a general term for a mountain pass or peak of a road, while キレット specifically refers to a sharp gap or notch in a ridge, often with steep drops on both sides.
鞍あん部ぶ
鞍部 is a more technical geographical term for a saddle or col between two peaks, similar to キレット but less specific to sharp, narrow gaps.

Written forms

キレットUsage100%
kana-only spelling
Usually written in katakana; usually written in kana. This is the most common practical spelling.
きれっと
Hiragana spelling, also used but less common than katakana.
切きれっ処と
Ateji kanji spelling; rarely used and may not be recognized by all readers.
切きれっ戸と
Ateji kanji spelling; rarely used.
切処きれっと
Ateji kanji spelling; rarely used.
切戸きれっと
Ateji kanji spelling; rarely used.

Etymology

Likely derived from a German mountaineering term such as 'Gratlücke' (ridge gap) or 'Karette', adapted into Japanese as キレット. The exact origin is uncertain, but it is a specialized loanword used in hiking and climbing contexts.